North Cascades Mountain Hostel

Staying at North Cascades Mountain Hostel felt like staying with old friends, and it was such an overwhelmingly positive experience that I’m already scheming up ways to go back and visit again. I left with my sides aching from laughter and my feet blistered from forging 18 mile trails with new hostel friends on treks that I never imagined possible on my own.
I chose this place as a home base for doing some day hiking in the North Cascades based on Unilocal and tripadvisor reviews, and all of the 5 star ratings are spot on — I couldn’t have been happier with my decision. The beds were super comfy for my aching bones, and even as a light sleeper I felt well rested here, and I never had to wait to use the shower.
This is the perfect location for visiting some absolutely extraordinary regions of the North Cascades, and the Mazama Store is just a short drive away for the best pre-​hike breakfast and coffee and top-​notch trail snacks.
As a solo female traveller relatively new to hostels in the US, I was a bit skeptical going into this simply because I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I felt at ease as soon as I walked through the bicycle-​spoked gate, and came out feeling like I had made lifelong friends.
The owner Paul could not have been more accommodating, and I absolutely loved snuggling with the resident black lab «Biscuit». The whole layout of the hostel is really designed for people to easily connect with one another and I really appreciated that.
I had done a lot of research on the N. Cascades going into this trip, overwhelmed at times by all the possibilities of trails to explore, and Paul affirmed my routes by offering additional pieces of helpful advice that only a local could really affirm. He had so many great insider tips on how to make the most of my time in the North Cascades and it was so very enriching having his «insiders insight» guiding me along. He was very encouraging of my excursions, and I think had it not been for his insider tips I may not have explored quite as much as I did! For example, doing Cutthroat pass the entire way through and hitching a ride back. As an East Coaster, I had a lot of skepticism about hitchhiking — but I ended up meeting a ton of badass women hiking solo on the trail that day, and the folks I ended up hitching back with I had actually met a day earlier doing Maple Pass. Trail magic :)
He also had great suggestions on places to eat (Copper Glance fulfilled my grilled cheese craving for at least another year!!!) and other ways to spend time in the quirky, charming, adventurous, outdoorsy little town of Winthrop.
I also had a ton of fun cooking «family dinners» with other folks from the hostel — it was such a great way to come together and get to know my fellow travelers and I really appreciated how open the other guests were to conversation and getting to know one another.
I can’t think of a single reason why anyone wouldn’t want to book a stay at N. Cascades Mountain Hostel. Don’t think twice. You’ll have a total blast. I can’t wait to go back!

Boom! Paul and his hostel are both completely awesome. Super-​affordable bunks, great indoor and outdoor space, and a real family feel make the Mountain Hostel a place you could spend a day or a week and not miss a beat.
For adventurers, one entire wall of the kitchen is covered with high-​detail topos of the Northern Washington zone; not to mention the good info you’ll get from either Paul or another hosteller. Go to Winthrop, stay here, and drink at the Copper Glance. You’ll be so glad you did.

Awesome place to stay, felt so comfortable, just like home. Awesome location. So glad I found this place and wish there were many more like them. Thanks Paul.

This place is a gem.
Paul has done a great job setting up a beautiful site, rooms and cabins, and funky/​artsy environment overlooking (yet a 5 min walk away) the town of Winthrop. The cabin was clean and modern yet rustic. A great base for adventures in the hills. Looking forward to coming back with the whole family next summer!

Really nice hostel with a good location for visiting the north cascades. Staff was really friendly. Nice and clean rooms. The beds were prepared with clean sheets upon arrival which was a surprise for us being used of bringing our own sheets to hostels.

Just spent the weekend in Winthrop at the North Cascades Mountain Hostel. This was my second time staying — last summer I stayed in one of the cabins. This time I spent one evening in the bunk room with my daughter and the next night in the cabin with my friend and her daughter. It really feels like you are staying with friends and family — the owners and managers are great people.
There is plenty of space to have privacy if you want it or to socialize if you are in the mood. There are 3 different bathrooms and showers that were made available to us. I loved the outdoor space too with a bqe and outdoor eating and sitting for large groups.
Wireless was great as were the comfy beds and soft sheets. The kitchen is well stocked with what you need and there is a w/​d. I also love the location — the back trail takes you right to the main 4 way stop in Winthrop.
I don’t usually stay at hostels, but I wouldn’t say this is a traditional hostel experience. This is more like a hip airbnb place.

This hostel is the way to go. I had an extended stay and always felt at home. Its location is prime, the kitchen has everything you could ask for, it is always clean, coffee and tea is available daily, and the manager is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. I couldn’t have asked for better hospitality and loved meeting all the interesting people who came through. I have stayed at other lodges in Winthrop and will never go back as long as a spot is available in the hostel. I highly recommend this place if you want a guaranteed fun, memorable, and comfortable stay in the valley.